Large crowds followed Jesus everywhere he went; he was undoubtedly a very popular person during his ministry on earth.  Have you ever thought that not everyone in the crowd became a true follower of Jesus?  Sometimes people think they can follow Jesus in their own terms or whichever way they please.  Jesus defined the relationship he wants with his disciples.  Mark 8:34 “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”  A true follower of Jesus most exhibit self denial, and be willing to follow him even to the point of death.  This is the commitment Jesus expects of you if you wish to follow him.

Scripture uses a great number of metaphors to illustrate God’s relationship with us.  Father and children, potter and clay, shepherd and his sheep, vine and branches.Jesus talked about being the good shepherd in John 10 and there we find other characteristics of those who are true followers.  Jesus said that his sheep known him and listen to his voice.  In other words, you cannot call yourself a follower of Jesus if you don’t know him and follow his voice, his instructions. 1 John 2:4 reminds us that the man who claims to know God and yet does not obey his command is a liar.

If you and I are to follow Jesus, we are to do it in the way he has prescribed for us.  He is our shepherd and we are his sheep if we know him and follow his instructions.